Category Archives: Motor reviews

Audi, Family hatchback, Motor reviews, Motoring

Audi A3: Still a premium diesel option

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Audi A3 Sportback

By Bill McCarthy

In the huge range of premium cars in the Audi stable, the A3 perhaps stands out as the most aspirational for those looking to step up a level. It is not hard to see why. It’s been around for a few years, and the latest version of its compact sportback offers the iconic four-ring badging, premium quality, practicality, and excellent fuel economy.

Both the sportback and saloon have been refreshed recently with upgraded lighting, and an enhanced cabin with new infotainment and driver assistance technologies. 

While the drive to electrification goes on, even at a slightly slower pace, the firm still has faith in its diesel products, with this model powered by a clean and greener two litre diesel engine. 

While EVs are due to be the only show in town from 2035, a diesel could last 20 years or more, so still offers a sound alternative.

Sharp exterior look

This latest, prettier, A3 sports a striking honeycomb grille and trapezoidal LED headlights flanking a wider slimmer grille.

The ionic Audi rings are now flush to the grille, with a revised bumper and stylish 20-inch optional alloys on this model.

A new colour palette gives a wider range of options.

Premium interior

The Audi interior has always been one of the best around, particularly this S line version and the latest cockpit is packed with high-end fixtures and fittings, soft touch finish and upgraded technology.

There are high-end materials and new fabrics with aluminium interior elements and door sills with aluminium inserts at the front, illuminated, with ‘S’ logo.

The now familiar virtual cockpit features a central MMI touchscreen for infotainment, and a digital cockpit display to deliver real time driver information.

An onboard Audi app store also allows accept to third-party apps via the MMI touch display

A standout feature is ‘Functions on Demand’, allowing owners to purchase additional features post-delivery.

On the road

On the road, the diesel engine is a bit of a firecracker. Not new but still feeling fresh, lively and refined.

The 150PS two litre unit powers the car to 60mph in just eight seconds. Lively enough for most, while the seven-speed DSG transmissions effortlessly slips through the gears. 

Being a diesel, the extra torque means mid-range acceleration is good, particularly helpful on motorways when overtaking. That extra grunt also allows for better towing capability.

Best of all, economy is excellent with a claimed 53.3mpg, a figure easily matched, despite a lot of motorway driving, combined with more sedate stuff around town.

The upgraded and slightly stiffer suspension on this model delivers an agile and surefooted performance, dismissing sharp bends with ease with the pin sharp steering keeping the car firmly in the direction you point it.

Grip is huge, limpet like when needed. It really is an excellent drive.

Practicality and safety

With generous legroom and a decent boot space of 380 litres (expandable to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded), it is really practical for everyday use.

Safety features a comprehensive with parking assist, a full range of airbags, and features like adaptive cruise control, distraction and fatigue warning, hill-hold assist and lane departure warning with emergency assist.

Factfile

  • Audi A3 Sportback 35 TDi S-Line S-tronic
  • Price: £39,735 
  • Engine: 150PS 1,968cc turbo diesel, driving front wheels via a 7-speed automatic  transmission 
  • Max Speed: 141 mph  
  • 0-62 mph: 8.1 seconds  
  • Combined MPG: 55.4 
  • Insurance Group: 21  
  • CO2 Emissions: 134 g/km  
  • BiK Rating: 33%  
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles  
CUPRA, Motor reviews, Motoring, SUV

Blend of style and performance

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Cupra Formentor

By Bill McCarthy

Cupra, the  sporty arm of the SEAT brand, which is itself a sporty arm of the VW Group offers a stylish alternative in its segments with striking looks, upmarket interiors and practicality in spades. Steadily growing sales figures for the brand are a testament to how it has been received.

The Formentor has been a success story, the brand’s best seller and the latest, revamped version is even better with upgrades to appearance, equipment and software.

Sleek design

The Formentor cuts a striking figure with its aggressive, low-slung stance, sleek silhouette, and a new shark-nose front end flanked by triangular LED light clusters. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar and twin exhaust pipes reinforce its sporty character, while standard 18-inch alloy wheels complete the dynamic look. It’s a head-turner—a crossover with SUV presence and hatchback versatility.

Premium, hi-tech interior

Inside there is an upmarket feel with solid build quality, and signature copper and aluminium accents. The cabin blends sportiness with sophistication, featuring ambient lighting, black sports seats with copper coloured stitching, and a heated multifunction steering wheel (though the heating function seemed to have a mind of its own and proved frustratingly inconsistent). Space at the front generous, with ample head and legroom, creating an airy, comfortable environment.

Even this entry-level model comes well-equipped, centred around a 12.9-inch touchscreen running Cupra’s bespoke CONNECT system. It handles navigation, infotainment, and smartphone connectivity, though the customisable widgets and touch-sensitive sliders for climate and volume can be fiddly on the move. 

A configurable Digital Cockpit behind the steering wheel keeps key driving data in clear view, while the DSG gear selector and secondary controls are neatly arranged on the central console.

Not cheap at £35,000 for this model, but a host of standard equipment, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and other driver aids—making it a well-rounded package.

Sporty but sensible

Powered by a 1.5-litre eTSI mild-hybrid engine paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic, the Formentor delivers real punchy performance and impressive efficiency. It’s no fire-breathing hot hatch, but the 0-60mph sprint in nine seconds is more than adequate for daily driving, and real-world fuel economy hovers around 45mpg—close to the official WLTP 45.6mpg claim.

The engine is refined and responsive at low-to-mid speeds, though it can feel strained when overtaking on the motorway. Most impressive is the handling, with precise, well-weighted steering and an electronic locking differential providing excellent cornering stability, making it a joy on twisty roads. However, the firm suspension, while great for body control, can feel harsh over rough surfaces, sending jolts through the cabin. On smooth tarmac however, it is a comfortable ride.

Practicality & safety

With 450 litres of boot space (expandable via folding rear seats), the Formentor is as practical as it is stylish. Safety tech is comprehensive, including:

  • Predictive adaptive cruise control
  • Forward collision warning with automatic braking
  • Driver alert system
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • A full suite of airbags

Verdict

The Cupra Formentor isn’t cheap, but it offers a clever blend of head-turning design, sporty dynamics, and everyday usability. Its engaging drive, strong economy, and premium feel explain why it’s resonating with buyers.

Factfile
  • CUPRA Formentor V1 1.5 e-TSI DSG Price: £36,175
  • Mechanical: 150bhp, 1498cc petrol turbo engine driving front wheels via seven-speed automatic transmission
  • Max speed: 127mph
  • 0-60: 9 seconds
  • Economy: 45.6mpg
  • CO2 emissions: 133g/km
  • Insurance group: 21E
  • BiK rating: 31%
  • Warranty: 5yrs/90,000 miles